Towards World路class University- - Universiti Putra Malaysia

ISSN. 0127 - 9394 http,llrmc.upm
Towards World·class University-
What does it take to be a prestigious research Institute?
.. New Materials for our Industries: Since the formation of the Institute of Bioscience (IBS) about
PANGIUM EDULE REINW 10 years ago, the Institute has been propelled by the power
(Kepayong) - Any Takers (or Development of dreams to be a world class research centre, 'Towards
o( Products? World Class University' has been a common slogan for many
of us for the past few years, Now it is quite clear to us that
~ Edltorla' we have quite a long way to go to get there. The fact that
~ Spotlight Institutions of Higher Learning in the country are working at
.. NMFerit TM: Formu/otiorrTailoring of 25% of the world's c1a::s standard, translates that we have to
the Ni-Mg-Co-Co-Cu-Zn-Fe Ferrite System jump by leaps and bounG5 to be at par with other world
to Attain Extremely Low Magnetic-Energy class institutions, Getting there is not impossible. However,
Loss for High-Frequency Application unwavering persistence, stancti determination and sincere
sacrifices are needed from all quarters to score this goal. The
.. The Adoption of Econet"The Internet-Based rules of the game are very clear before us. We know the
Malaysian Ecotour;sm Network and Site answers to the great overarching question of 'what does it
Rating Expen System take to be a prestigious research institute?'
.. RF Coaxial Cavity (or Ignition
Adequate expertise, funding and infrastructure are the three
.. Developing Ergonomics seat (or mandatory prerequisites that any research centre should
Commercial Vehicle in Malaysia: A have in order to reach the unprecedented heights of
Concurrent Approach research excellence, However; we should not expect all
those items to be delivered to us on a silver platter. Each
Ii" A Family of Parallel Explicit Group Iterative
Ad. qlllll< ('.\f'O"HI', jllm/m,1l 111//1 1,,!rm/ntClU,," .In "II' one of us has to be motivated and driven by a sense of
Algorithm on Shared Memory "IIH' Il/ml,/,lIor\' I'rfrr./UiJitln ,h,1/ am rn..,,, ..h all/re
Multiprocessors (SMPs) Architecture ll,mlld lit/I t" In m.Ju t" rellcf! ,IIr WII"'" l'd"III<",1 ;','I/o:frU mission to contribute to the successful implementation of
"r rI'J"/Irc1J ('xnllellfl" I'rfljr.I-'fJ' Dr fillimllh\fli. our strategic research plans. If each of us takes the challenge
~ Research Happenings rll·lO}ll);fIT(I>r. h'llilulr II) Hw,ldcnc<' ("P.1f to be the best scientist and the best team player. I believe we
will grow from strength to strength, In spite of the fact that University tries hard to support the Institute
~ Reportage
to pursue research activities, there seems to be several unending shortcomings. However. there are
.. A Glance ot Research Inventions &
successful individuals who can perform in spite of all the odds. In IBS, we have many scientists who
Innovations at UPM
illustrate these wonderful traits.These individuals have the passion, commitment and burning desire to
Ii' Pertanika Call (or Popers achieve their goals, After all, as Mr. Soichiro Honda once said 'success is 99% failure',
II> Moving Towards "world" Potent System
through pa
.. UPM's Commerciolised Products and
Technologies
New Materials for our Industries:
PANGIUM EDULE REINW.
'" Back Issues
(Kepayang) - Any Takers for Development
of Products?
I. Faridah-Hanum, Nik Idris, N,Y. and Jack liam
angium edute Reinw. or locally known as locals. The seeds contain high quality oil which has
P 'kepayang, pangi or keluak', is monotypic and
belongs to the family Flacourtiaceae (figure I).
been used for cooking for decades even in areas
where coconut is plentiful.The investigation into
They can reach heights of up to 40m. and is found P. edule was initiated following the observation of
in the wild or is more commonly cultivated the wide use of its seeds as a preservative for
especially in villages in Sabah and Sarawak.The meat and fish throughout the Dusun community in
boles are straight and often reach a diameter of Sabah, and the widely used oil from the seeds for
I m. kepayang offers good timber source to the cooking in Sarawak. Many fieldworks were carTied
• 1ilrJI trI I'a!:" FOllr
a Synthesis, UPM R&D Digest, Issue 16. lsI Outlrlt'rlMar, 20071 t
Indicators of Research University Performance Web Presence & Development
PlIblishillg quality research findings is. of course. one oj'he Your web content and design must communicate the branding or unique market
sigllijicall1 sources oj the illstitUlion's strength as 1I competitive position immediately. Upon visiting your site. the visitors should know
academic enterprise immediately whether this site has the information. products or web functions
Univcrsiti Pulr.l Malaysia (UPM) is one of the designated research univcn;ities .md is thcy arc looking for. Otherwise they may not stay long or return to your site.
renowned for ils broad spectrum orre~arch. During the 8th Malaysian Plan (2001.2005).
UPM received morc lhan RJ\1256 million in resc:arch funding from various go\'CmmCnl The content of your site depends on your positioning. :lltdience and objectives.
agencies. private sector panncrs and ;nlcm:tliorml bodies. Productivity in re..,earch ;s
bound to be measured by the extent to which the individu.ll researchers have succeeded in Regardless of the market position of your institution or service. the site mllst
publishing their work in journals. Publication is the principal means to communicate 3nd include content that accomplishes the following objectives:
disscminate new ide3!! and finding~ among researchers. which uhimalcly lc:tds to the
advancement of knowledge. It is !Ilso widely acknowledged as the yardstick for gauging
the reputation of an individual researcher. Publishing is considered by many as the first Communicate Ihe market positioning or branding;
step towards establishing ourselve.\ a~ experts in our fields. When scientists conduct an Prove or support the market positioning;
experiment and analyze the results. the ne.'(t step is to write" repon that describes the Give visitors useful information related to your business:
experiment and the results. and submit it for publication in a scientific journal thai is
"peer-reviewed." Peer-review means that lhe paper i~ examined and scrutinized by fellow Provide content that is interesting to the audience;
scienlists. who evaluate the methods used and identify any potential flaws in logic or Enable and encournge visitors to ask questions. make comments and
mcthodology Ihat may shed doubl on the findings. Publishing results of research projects contact you.
in peer-reviewed journals enables Ihe scientific community to evuluate the findings
themselves. It also prOVides instructions so thut other researchers cun repeat the
cxperiment or build on it to verify and confinn the results. Resc3rchcrs' publicalion Back-Linking Strategies
record~ therefore carry a great de,,1 of weight when they apply for academic posts or It's no secret that getting other websites to link 10 yours (reciprocal linking) is
research grants. and build their reputation in the scientific community.
an important part of your website development and Search Engine
In 2002. Malaysia's share of published papers towlled up to 10,583 or 0.08% of the Optimization. Steady. strategic link building can help you. not only
world's output. This placed our coulllry in the 55th position. among 178 nations. together maintaining your website traffic. but also increase it significantly as well.
with Kenya. Iran and Slovcnia (""IOSTI. 20(4). Based on the E\':tluation of R&D Projects
funded under the IRPA during the 7th Malaysian Plan programme. proceedings were the
favoured type of publications produced in each seclor with an o\'erall a\'erage of 5.59 However. when lidding back links to your website be aware of a few things. It's
public:lIionsiprojecl. The average number of publications per project in cil:ltion index. about quality. not just quantity. Having thousands of random websites pointing
both internationally and nationally refereed journals was 1.38. 1.23 llnd 1.67. respectively. a link to you might not always be a good thing. If your link comes from a page
According to the Rese3rch Uni\'ersity data for 2005. UPM published 238 anicles in
cilation index journab. 463 in non-cilation index journals. 104 technical papers. 87 with hundreds of links on it. the search engines lllay deem it a link fann and it
chapters in books. and 102 other publications (inclUding conferences proceedings). In the will not help you at all. and may even harm you in some cases.
evaluation of the 7th Malaysian Plan IRPA (MOST!. 2006). the lower number of
publications in journals 310 compared to conference procecding~ was attributed to se\'cr.ll
factors. Firsl. the process of publishing in proceedings is rehni\'c1y less stringent as the Search engines prefer a link to your website frolll a website where the page
anicles arc usually not peer- fCviewed. Second. new research findings can be disseminatcd content is relevant to yours. For instance. if you have a website that mainly
to interested panies within a shoner period through proceedings. Another issue is the cost promotes research. you do not want to have a link from a website about
of publication is high in cited international journals. The page charges for publishing in
some high·impaci factor journals can be as high as RM4.000 - 5.000. Howc\'er. this issue enten:linmcnt news in the Antarctica! Your link will not likely be seen as
has been addressed in UPM. whereby the University h:ls llllocaled RM200.000 to assist the relevant to the visitor of an educational and research institution. and search
researchers in co\'cring Iheir cost of publications therefore encouraging them to publish engines will also view this linking as non-relevant. Non-relevant links may not
their research findings in international journals. lliere is also a fear of rejection from lhe
editorial board of "nagship" journals for being unable 10 meet the required standards. hun you in any way. but they will also not be an effective use of 'real estate'. in
that they will nOl be considered as important a.~ relevant links.
Many doctor.ll and master theses arc valuable and intcresting source of knowledge. bm
these arc rnrcly read. Hence. the Research Management Centre will be given the task to
co·ordinate writing relrems or workshops to facilitate researchers in preparing anides On the dark side. if yOll are linked to sites that send spam. are scams. or lise
from the theses of their gmduatcd students for submission to quality journ:lls. It is black hat techniques. the search engines may 'paint yOll with the same brush'.
envisaged thai more high quality journal publications can be produced from such and/or realize you must not know who exactly you arc linked with. It is best
programmes in line with University's vision of hcing a top-ranking research university in
the country. and beyond. therefore; to check who your link panners arc by visiting the sites to be sure
they arc what they say they are. Of course it would be difficult to know
UPM as a successful research uni\'ersity must ha\'e a constalll. cOlllinuing comrnitmelll 10 everything about them. but just try to see the obvious. If you arc not doing
competition supponed by mensurable indicators of comparative perfonnnnce. As such.
additional rese3rch publications will look 3t the process of change O\'er the past decade indiscriminate (massive) linking. it may be a benefit to actually look them up
thai has produced an eminent Slnlcture of research:1I UPM thus far.@ by "Googlillg" them and just sec if there arc any negative comments.
Executive Editors
You can get back links to your website using a number of different methods:
zulkifli@agrLupm.edu.my
Writing product reviews that allow you to post your URL; Writing articles and
submitting them with your website link in your resource box; Submiuing your
website to directories; Submitting your website to classified ad sites; Posting in
EditorialBoard forums with your website URL in your signalllre; Responding to blog postings
in niche forums; Ask for a link exchange with other relevant websites
personally (ideal).
Building steady and strategic back links to your website can benefit you in a
number of ways. in panicular: Get your website indexed and crawled by search
engines: Increase your overall search engine position for keywords or phmses
due to higher PR; Increase your visitors from strategic placement of your
website link; Possibly also increase brand awareness for your name or business
entity.
If done properly. building back links can greatly increase your website traffic.
Just do :t little at a time and you may be surprised with the results over a short
period of time. There are even companies and software programs out there that
will help you build your back links if you have the luxury of an operating
budget. Stan getting back links to your website today! @
Managing Editor
ndeeps@admin.upm.edu.my
II Synthesis. UPM R&D Digest,lssur 16, Is! QI/arfer IMar. 20071 t
REGULARS RESEARCH UPDATE
NMFerit™: Formulation-Tailoring of
the Ni-Mg-Ca-Co-Cu-Zn-Fe Ferrite System to
Attain Extremely Low Magnetic-Energy Loss for
High-Frequency Application
Noorhana Yahya. Mansor Hashim, Beh Hoe Guan. Mohd Hashim Mohd Saad. Mohd Shamsul Ezzad Shafie and Raba'ah Syahidah Azis
T
hIS work IS our respon,se to the demand for
miniatunzauon of electronic CIrcUits and the
shift to higher operating frequencies.
Development of hlgh·densrty and low·magnetic·
energy loss in the Nio7E.XMgo04+XCaoOO5C<>o I
CUO.07sZno 04 Fe 1.900396 system. where x=O.O I,
0.02. 0.03 and 0.04. was done. Conventional
ceramic processing technIque based on solid·
state chemICal reactions was employed. Low-
grade pnoduetJon OXide powder.; (-99.4%) were
used. The microstructure was tailored using CuO
as sintering aid. The formulation employed the
Co2+- to broaden the operating frequency in the
MHz region. Mg2+ to increase the electrical
resistivity and the Ca2'" to neutralize the presence
lPTA R&D E\fm 2006.
of Si02, thus blocking the intergranular eddy
cUlTents hopping.
Deparlmem of Physics
The air sintered (I 1400 q material showed fine- Faclliry ofSciellce
grain microstructure (-2.3IAm). It was found that Ullil'ersili PI/frO Malaysia
increasing MgO concentration led to increased to the eXisting antennae in the current market. .J3.JOO UPM, Sert/(lIIg, Se/al/gor
relative loss factor (RLF) but resistivity was Malaysia
K8. manufactured by TDK. N I M I IS currently
decreased. pending for approval for trade mark under Tel: 603-89466675
"NMFerit" name with application number E-mail: tlOOrIUlIlaCtlscicm·e.llpm.etlll.m~:
This new material, named N IM I was compared 05-002215. @
• From Pog~ Ont!
Ranking of the platform that is ready to move forward with the coordinators, research associates and
world universities Research University agenda Advances In high research/science officers are working In harmony,
by The Times Impact publications, productlon of high quality making great strides to give new meanings to our
Higher Education products, net-working and linkages with world research activities. Our SCientific endeavours
Supplement (THE5) class Institutions, establishments of internationally closely address our societal needs which are
is a blessing to us. competitive research facilitIes, and increase of unique to our country. In our quest to be In the
To Improve the research funding have enhanced our research frontiers of knowledge and wealth creation. it is
positions of our profile, and these efforts will be intensified until not only to satisfy the scientific curiosity, but also
universities in the we can achieve 100% of the world's research to plan and chart the course of our societal
world ranking. the university standards. responsibilities for the progress of our people
Government has to take drastic measures to and protecting the interest of our future
accelerate research activities In IPTAs. Thus, the In IBS, the five laboratories; Laboratory of Natural generations. Our laboratory outputs are not only
recognition of UPM as a Research University by Products. Laboratory of Molecular Biomedicine, to be published In flagshIp journals and won
the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia Laboratory of Cancer Research UPM-MAKNA many accolades and medals, but also to make a
(KPTM) marks another major milestone in our Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, and difference to our local industries. Hopefully we
mission to be a world class university. In IBS, Laboratory of Marine Science and Aquaculture will continue to make valuable contributions with
research strength that has been developed for are poised to take our focused research long lasting effects. @
the last one decade provides a stable research programmes to their pinnacles. All the heads,
II Synthesis, UPM R&D Dlgesl, IS5Ut 16, lsI Quarter (Mar. 2007) t
REGULARS RESEARCH UPDATE
The Adoption of Econet: The Internet-Based
Malaysian Ecotourism Network and
Site Rating Expert System
Husaini Omar
he environment is the backbone of tourism the ecotourism industry in Malaysia has vast
products. Profitability in tourism depends on potential for further development it has not SILVER -!Jrit;.\1, IIIW!II(ioll Sholl' (BJS2005J.
maintaining the attractiveness of tourist receIved adequate attention. All ecotourism sites
destinations with pleasant environment. must be planned. guided and developed in a ....
monitored and controlled manner for effective Departmelll ofGil'il Engilleerillg
Malaysia is a tropical country that is rich in a and efficient management FaCility of Engilleerillg
variety of ecological resources with a high U"i\'ersi(i P,llrtI Mll1aysia Sert/allg. Selallgor
tourism potential. Hence, the condition of the -I3-1()() UPM.
A systematic expert rating system is developed
Malaysia
environment plays a critical role if the industry is to maintain a certain level of standard based on
to be sustained for future generations.The different levels of categorisation to ensure the Tel, 603-89-16 758/
concept of ecotourism emphasises the sites that sustainability of ecotourism sites in Peninsular E-mail: lmsaifli@eng.flpm.edll.l1l\·
have potential for ecological interest Although Malaysia. @
New Materials for our Industries: PANGIUM EDULE REINW....
• Fro", Puge all,
out throughout Malaysia to collect samples for
O
proportionality. it is the most important
detail morphological studies and preliminary le) polyalkenoic acid found in vegetable fats. It is
determination of chemical components from the
seeds of this species. This research was supported
"~ ~<l) characteristic and often forms the major
component important in many commercialized
by the International Foundation of Science, fats such as cottonseed. soybean. peanut and
Sweden (Grant No. 63401 - Mu~idisciplinary
~C)~
sunflower seeds. Linoleic acid is almost invariably
Studies on Pang/urn edule). accompanied by oleic acid in vegetable oils and it
~~<d) is generally considered characteristic of semi-
drying and drying oils.
..k m lem Heptadecene-(8)-Carbonic acid
~W
(a) - (b)
Unlike palmitic and linoleic acids, the
-~~ characteristics, uses and potentials of
0~
---
\
Heptadecene-(8)-Carbonic acid have yet to be
established. Since the seeds are known to
f"i}:"rr 1: 1/('''''''''/''1:' ,of Jnm.• <",d .ad, (II /'<lrr~1U1IJ rd"lr
preserve meat and fish widely without
r,,·b, tr/,d\<lU~ lo,~":, .0/. t'I"I\""~ ""1'" r·J tq"""" 1mb", I refrigeration in Sabah and Sarawak among the
During the numerous fieldworks. two distinct natives, it is suggested here that further research
variants of Pangium edule with respect to fruits Hexadecanoic acid
should be conducted to understand the
and seeds morphology were observed. The Hexadecanoic acid or palmitic acid has been
preservation action of Heptadecene-(8)-Carbonic
typical P. edu/e (kepoyang lenga. kepayang and reported to be present in almost every vegetable
acid on various food. wood and perhaps some
payarlg) is distributed widely in Sabah. Sarawak and animal fat. Industrially. palmitic acid is used chemical products.
and Peninsular Malaysia but its variants kepayang principally in the form of commercial stearic acid
paparl and kepaYQrlg bubur have been found in which is a mixture of stearic and palmitic acids, P edule could be considered as one of the species
Sarawak. While the fruits of kepayang papan are containing 55% of the latter. In commercial pure for planting on a large scale. Besides providing
nearly globular. the seeds are similar to those of form. it has a variety of applications. including the good timber due to its straight and large
kepayang lenga in both their shape and size. preparation of esters. metallic salts. palmityl.
diameter bole. other local uses of kepayang
However; the fruits of kepayang bubur are smaller alcohol. amides. nitriles. amines. and quarternary of
include the use of seeds in sterilizing wounds
and ellipsoidal and the seeds are relatively smaller ammonium salts.The acid or its derivatives find and treating boils. @
as well (Figure 2). the use in the manufacture of synthetic
detergents. soaps. cosmetics. greases. plastics, and
various types of protective and decorative .. , .
Three components from the seeds namely.
Hexadecanoic acid (=Palmitic acid). coatings. It is suggested here that the kepayang FaCility of Forestry
Heptadecene-(8)-Carbonic acid and 9.12- seeds could be one of the future local sources of Ullil'ersiri P"tra Malaysia
Octadecedienoic acid (=Linoleic acid) were palmitic acid. .J34{)() UPM Sertllmg
identified. Samples subjected to Brine Shrimp Seltmgor. Malaysia
Lethality Bioassay showed that the samples were 9, 12-0ctadecadienoic acid
Also known as linoleic acid. it is widely distributed Tel: +603·8946 7J78
not toxic.
in the plant kingdom. By frequency and E·mail: i.faritla1JJJ!~flllm@glllllitt;Qm
II Synthesis, UPM R&D Digest. ISSUf 16. lsI Quarter IMar. 20071 t
REGULARS RESEARCH UPDATE
RF Coaxial Cavity for Ignition
Norman Hariun, Liyth Nassirat, Nasrullah Khan, Ishak Aris
he function of the ign~ion systems is to frequency range (2.45GHz). The dimensions
T inject the required energy into the
combustion chamber in order to ignite
of the cavity have been calculated along w~h
lumped parameters to be used in the RLC
the air-fuel mixture. The amount of the electrical model to analyze the behavior of
injected energy depends on many factors the cav~ under the load variation. It is
such as the kind of combustion gas used. air- noted that the radio frequency cav~ is able
fuel ratio. and the combustion pressure. To to in~iate plasma kemel larger than the
meet the future fuel economy demands the conventional spark plug WM less input "';8"r, J: 111t' Cm i/\ S'nlcfurr
vehicle engine manufacturers try to design energy requirements. This cav~ is planned
engines that run on lean or u~ra lean air-fuel to be used as an ignition source in a
ratios. These lean mixtures require more compressed natural gas engine (CNG
efficient energy injection mechanism to be engine) where the air-fuel ratio (<p) is
ignited. around 25: I.
The conventional ign~ion systems use spark Figure I, shows the block diagram of the
plugs w~h a narrow spark gap to ign~e the system and the components connectivity.
air-fuel mixture. The spark plug ionizes the Figure 2, shows the results of the MATI.AB
mixture in the gap volume between the 2dD simulation and shows the propagation
electrodes by means of DC high vo~age of the microwave signal inside the cav~.
source which is established from the energy Figure 3, shows the fabricated RF cav~ for
stored in a magnetic coil. The drawback of this experiment. Figures 4 to 6, are Infra Red
such systems to meet the lean mixture images to show the glow of the plasma
demands is the need to increase the DC around the tip of the designed cav~.@
voltage between the gap electrodes in order
to ign~e the lean and u~ra lean mixtures.
The spark is localized around the spark plug
volume and the size of the plasma channel is
l\'licrow:l\'C
Mllgnetron
To~hiba - Waveguide
10 coaxial
tr.msition -1 Coaxial
cable.
!
I
FiliI/US: Tf.'/ ,...wl/ •. IN imu1le. Rectull~u/"rAlJ/e"'lu 1. all it, 0.2 Cm
small. Moreover, going to higher DC voltage
levels cause shorter life time for the spark
plugs. Fig""r I: m,,,J; IJwt:ram ,,' flu on'"",
am
The use of high energy plasma to ign~e the
mixture has recently gained interest. Many 0 ....
_ _ _ ._
• • ~ •• _ - - - -
Q . . . . . . 4" .~~
researches have been carried out on "'jJ;ut'e 6: T.." J 'f""/'. IR ",rlJ~e, Cinul", Amell/Ill
studying the Quarter Wave Radio
( )J I) Briti.~h II/\'(mtiOJl Sholl' (B1S2005,.
Frequency Coaxial Cavity (QWRFCC) as a Silver - llltermuimlQllllI'l'lI/ioll, 11ll1l'1\'l/timl.
microwave plasma generator. This plasma bllhwrial Desigll & Tee/moloR." Exhibition
(/-'rEX 2()()51.
source has many advantages: the mixture
has lower breakdown voltage when using
microwave frequencies, the device is Departl1lelll of Elect/"ical Engineering
working as electric field amplifier. and there FaCility of Engineering
Ullil'ersit; PlIlra Malaysia
is no electrode degradation.
43400 UPM, Serdallg. Se/allgor
FigilU 2: .\imu/miml (if/ltr C</I'UI ""ItA nAH
Mala)wia
In this work a coaxial cav~ is developed to
Tel.' +603 89~6 6266
be used as an ignition source. The cavity is E·mail: IIJlml(J1/@_eng.Jlpm.edll.I1U'
intended to work at household microwave
II Synthesis, UPM R&D Digest, Issue 16. lsI QUllrll'f (Mar. 2007) t
REGULARS RESEARCH UPDATE
Developing Ergonomics seat for Commercial Vehicle
in Malaysia: A Concurrent Approach
Shamsul Bahri Hj Tamrin Mohd Tamrin, Rizal Rahman. Rosoan Hamzah. Nasaruddin Abdul Azjz. Hamiraj Fahry,
Juliana Jalaludin, Nizam Jemoin. Rosnah Yusof. Wan Chik Zaharah,AzIan Ariffio. Siti Sahartini. and Salawati
P ro.fessional driving is associated WIth. long hours Industrial hyglenlst and ergonomist. Occupational using muscle fatigue indicator. a number of UPM bus
In a sIngle body posture, under exposure to practitioner developed tools such as reliable and drivers showed that a trend that Indicate less muscle
VIbration. vehicles exhaust and nOise.There is valid questionnaire to determine the prevalence of small fiber IS being recruited and higher median
evidence that those who spend more than half their MSD and risk factors while ergonomist developed frequency threshold suggesting that lumbar support
worklng lives driving are three tlmes more likely to tool such as Anthropometric chair to be use in is an effective tool in reduCIng muscle fatigue
suffer back trouble than the rest of the population collectlng main parameters for developing future especially in long duration driving. In determining
(froup. 1978: Ishibasi. 1988). Sitting" a source of seat Industrial hygienist Involved In collecting data the effectiveness of anti vibration material to be
postural. spinal stress. which can be disabling for of current Vibration level of seat and posture analysis used later in the development of the seat. an
those who have had serious back and sciatic pain of driving style. Later stage shows how Industnal experiment was conducted to determine the level
(Nigel C e1 aI. 1986). Prolonged SItting" generally designers translated the information collected earlier of whole body vibration.
accepted as a nsk posture in developing low back Into prototype design and finally fabricated by
pain. Low back pain occurs very frequently and is engineers mto mechanical and electncal The study shows that the summation of vibratJon
one of the most costly heatth problems affecting components. among Malaysian bus was slightly above the
industry and society, It has been accepted that 70- recommended 8 hours permissible limrt (ISO 2631-
75% of the population experiences low back pain at Ergonomics Data I), however the level of vibration reduced
least once in their lifetime (Van Poppel et 0/, 2000). In this study. the anthropometncs data was the basic significantly after the seat was blanketed with rubber
principle in applying the design for adjustable range material to attenuate the Vibration level.Therefore
Our recent finding of musculoskeletal problem had for bus seat FIVe body dimenSion parameters were by gathering all this ergonomics and occupational
shown that 60% of Malaysian bus drivers reported measured for the basic data to accommodate the health information, we were able to formulate a
an incidence of low size required for headrest. backrest. seat pan. seat requirement both for designers and engineers for
back pam and other depth and lumbar support for 5th to 95th them to translate into a workable ergonomics seat
related percentile of Malaysian male. A total of 669 design.
musculoskeletal Malaysian male bus drivers from four different
disorders such as locations - Center Region (Klang Valley); Eastem Design Stage
upper back. neck and Region (Kelantan); Northern Region (Perak. Penang Architectural design was the first stage to determine
legs. It is Important and Kedah) and Southern region Uohor Bahru) had ideas and design concept for the ergonomic bus
that action must be participated In thiS study. Martyn Type seat and biomechanicallumbar support In this stage.
taken to improve the Anthropolometer (USA) was used to measure body the architectural design from the industrial designer
condrtJon of dnvers segments. Each participant was measured while presented 10 Ideas and design concept from
health especially with sitting on our customized-made anthropometncs sketches. prelrminary Images data and drawing layout
regard to chaIr that Included the lumbar support to measure on how the biomechanical lumbar support could
musculoskeletal the height of the lumbar support Integrate and function with the new ergonomics bus
disorders.This action seat At this stage. all the material. design works.
should not be narrowed to bus drivers alone but scaling. technical modeling. assembly process. testing
also to coach as well as pnvate drivers since we do and modifications were dIscussed and evaluated
travel frequently to work. holiday and also before the final prototype of biomechanical lumbar
experience traffic congestion just like any bus drivers support could be developed. Finally a full-scale
do. Ergonomics field is quite new In Malaysia and the model was developed so that mechanical. electrical
implementation on WIder scope had been limrted to and electronic system engineers could develop.
application in OccupatIonal safety and Health. In order to determine whether a lumbar support fabricate and integrate the biomechanicallumbar
will significantly reduce muscle fatigue. Preliminary support for testing.
In this research. the use of two intervention studies were earned out uSing commercial
program was proposed to effectively reduce adjustable lumbar support. Nimble-pedic adjustable Mechanical and Electrical stage
musculoskeletal disorders namely: I) health backrest (USA). (Figure 2) and Visual Analog The biomechanicallumbar support constitutes of 7
promotion program through introduction of Discomfort Scale (VADS) were used as equipments mam components namely roller. reel housing.
exercise for prevention and treatment of low back In 30 bus drivers in Kola Bharu. Kelantan.Visual gearbox. chaln unit support plate. support frame
pain and 2) engineering program through Analog D'scomfort S<:ale (VADS) was a body and motor housing.The roller of lumbar support
development of ergonomics seat specifically assessment scale in 1000m length to measure a covered by the anti Vibration material and plastic
customized for MalaYSian drivers. comfort level. It had been divided into 3 categories: roller was used as a tool to massage the lower back.
Q.-33mm - very comforable, 34-66mm - moderately The integration of lumbar support with electronic
Criteria's In development of er-gonomics comfort and 67-1 OOmm - very discomfort. It was motor system makes the lumbar support to
seat measured as a comment or response from each massage the lower back and reduce muscle fatigue.
The main objective of developing ergonomics seat is respondent that had been tested after using The biomechanicallumbar support is situated just
to develop a seat that frts; I) Malaysian male commercial adjustable lumbar supportThis study on above the seat pan and the upper part of the
anthropometry. 2) suitable range of lumbar support lumbar support showed that majority of bus drivers backrest which covers the SUitable range for
3) suitable adjustment of sitting height. seat pan and (53.3 %) agreed that the use of lumbar support was Malaysian lumbar spme and covers the range of at
backrest 4) absoros whole body vibration. and 5) very comfortable while driving. while 33.3% of bus least 29cm.The electro",c motor system constituted
biomechanical massager for relaxation while driving. drivers stated that moderately comfortable. Only 3 main hardware components namely stepper
To kick start with this project. more integration were 13.3% of bus drivers disagreed with the use of motor. printed circuit board (PCB) and the driver of
required between occupational health practitioner. lumbar support In determining the effectiveness the printed circuit board.
II Synthesis. UPM R&D Digest.lsSlit 16. lsI QlIarltr (Mar. 20071 t
REGULARS RESEARCH UPDATE
A Family of Parallel Explicit Group Iterative Algorithm
on Shared Memory Multiprocessors (SMPs) Architecture
Mohamed Othman, J. Sulaiman, and A.R. Abdullah
M
any scientists and engineers use the iterative
algorithm for solving large-scale complex
-_ - - .. ..
E!l . .- .•
:_
"'§]< --"-"-
sCIentific and engineering problems which E3 ...
requires a huge computation, communication and is
very time consuming. Computer simulation or
I. I :
I..:
network SImulation application is one of the
engineering problems that demand a fast computing
i· i:
mechanism as well as an efficient technique on top
of the parallel computer architecture. see Fig I. In
a.
order to speed up the process of solving these
problems. a family of parallel explicit group iterative Hg:2 <I <IJ,d h ,,,/unm' donr"''' III/h~ j.'ml ,,!:!f) lIwl 3D. "'ig J ,/ <lnJ 11 rUe mu", Ilm~ (jrc J w,J IUII/It" .., J''''f"n""nc'~ " III/III/"'r "r,m" own.
u'l'rclllr!. ""JI'Urll"~ll
algorithm will be able to help the scientist and
engineers in a short period of time. The family As a case study. the algorithms described above In future, all the above iterative algorithms will be
consists of three iterative algorithms; they are the were used to solve a model uXll +u)')'=(x 2 + t)ell)'. It implemented on the network ofSMPs parallel
is defined in a solution domain which subjected to computer architecture and it will be used to model.
Explicit Group (EG). Explicit Decoupled Group
(EDG) and Modified Explicit Group (MEG) iterative the Dirichlet boundary conditions and satisfying the solve and simulate the real world applications such
algorithms. For instance. it can be used to model, exact solution u(x,y) = ell)', The model is presented as in modeling and Simulating monopole antenna. @
solve and simulate the optICal wave guided in the form of two dimensional (20) and three
propagation. packet traffic flow network. computer dimensional (3D) as shown in Fig 2a and b.
respectively. By applying an optimal ordering - UPM IIII'clltion. Rexf.'arcll & IlIIlOwuioll
graphiCS, computational fluid dynamics and radio ExllibitiOlI (PRP/ 2oo6J.
wave propagation. strategy to the iterative algorithms, the experiments
Silver- IPTA R&D Etpo 2006.
were carried out with dIfferent sizes of problems.
~ .. The experimental results of the family iterative ..,
o algorithm were shown in the form of execution
time (seconds) and temporal performance vs.
Dep/. of Com milllicari011 Techllology & Networks
Facl/lry ofCompllter Sciellce & Illfomullioll Tech.
number of processors as shown in Fig 3a and b,
U"il'ersiti Pll1ra Malaysia
respectively.
013-100 UPM, Serdang. Selal/gor
Malaysia
In conclusion, the parallel MEG iterative algorithm is
-----~ the most superior and effective method among all Tel, +603 89~6 6535
algorithms in the family, in particular the SMPs £·mail: !lIpJ1/11/(/-,!~1skl/1/.lIpm.edlt.JIIJ' &
parallel computer architecture. I1IO/h/l/alllwm@ g1l/t/il.c()ll~
I,"jg I: An'hllt'. /1m' (,/I/'.. •/",ud mr"u.ry. mlll"pmn'Htln (S.lfPsJ
The software that had been programmed and The future of ergonomics seat of integrationed, product will meet with consumer
fabricated on the printed circuit board controlled We foresee that there is a big market In marketing expectations and satisfactions which indirectly will
the stepper motor. The integration between and developing better ergonomics seat Not only enhance the credibility of the manufacturing
hardware and software components of electronic we are able to market domestically, but there is an company as well as to generates a positive profit
motor system was deployed to run the program opportunity with customize anthropometry based margin. @
lumbar support massager. The controlling part has a on the need of every country even in the middle
user.friendly design with only four knobs for control east. southeast Asia, Europe and even the American
namely; (1) scroll up button (2) scroll down button continent. Bronze - MtllaYJit/ Tedmolagy £\110
(MT£2007J.
(3) yes button (4) no/cancel button. The user can
- UPM 1111'(!1llioll. Re.\w/,.C'!t &
control the massaging time based on the time they Its application can be clearly seen in the buses, train 1III/OI'(I1iOll £thibilit)1/ (PR?I 2oo6J,
needed to massage. RnaJly. the massage controlling coaches. monorails, and executive seats for Special Award - bll'Cllfi()1/ alld Nell' Prodllct
unit is located on the left instrument panel near the passengers even in first class seats in planes. Not to £'Cpo:JitiUtI (INPEX 2006).
steering wheel for easy reaching and manipulation mention the number of private cars that we can
by the bus driver. implement to reduce muscle fatigue and reduce .., .
musculoskeletal disorders and more comfortable Departmellt o/Commu"it)' Health
Testing and Evaluation driving. Eventually, the possibility of more road Ftlel/lty ofMedicine (l1It1 Healt!, Sciences
Wrth the development of I st prototype (CBSD ver accidents can be reduced effectively. Ullil'ersiti P,ltm Malaysia
1.0) more testing are on the way. Currently we are 430100 UPM, Sertlallg, Selal/gor
focusing on two types of testing namely: I) Comparing with the traditional approaches of over Malaysia
functional testing 2) effectiveness test Both tests are the wall, this concurrent engineering concept of
compulsory before being marketed to maintain the Integrity which includes communications and team Tel: +603890172395
effectiveness. functionality, comfort ability and safety work enhancement has proven to deliver a better £·mail: slwmm/_@lIledic..YJJIIl.edu.my
factor. quality product In shorter time. This modem system
_synthesis. UPM R&D Digest,lssur 16, Is! QI/aria IMar. 20071 t
THROUGH THE LENS
Research
International Exhibition of "Ideas-Inventions-New Products" (lENA 2006) (2 "5 No,' 2006)
WELL DONE: Dr AtmacI Bustamam BaduI feels proud as he
lENA 2006: The deIegales hom the Faculty of EngI'leering and I AM PROUD OF YOU: Prof. Abu BaIw SaDeh ~ hiS feceMtS hl$ cendocale from Pro! Abu Bakar SaDeh
lnstJMe oI81osc1ence (185). UPM gralJtuC\e to go6d rnecIalIist, Prof Fatmah Md Yusotl
FOCUS: Prof Dato' Of. Shanff Mohamed Dan speaks hiS miMI I AM THE BEST: Gold medallist Ir Allan Abdul Az,Z displaying
his award
British Invention Show (BIS 2006) (18-21 Oc/2006) The 3rd Malay and Islamic Trade
-----------,
HE'S THE MAN: AlP Dr Wong Shaw Voon from the Facully of SIS 2006: The Malaysian O8IOga:es althe Alexandra Palace in
HOT ITEM: Synlhlsls. a part and parcel of ~ dlspIay'
~.-.g b8gged • gold meclal award let "COMBAT ARMOR. LoMoo
(CotnposIfe lot AntI8aIIs1oc TMlaI AImot)"
D~ ~ H~ LwM (Newsmakers around 'he campus)
THE GOOD OLD DAYS: Mr J8f!I
With hiS Slaff dUllng the RMC Han ~
FOREVER YOUNG!: AlP Dr Teogku Allan HamId in her best
THANK YOU: Prof. Dr, N'k Mustapha R. Abdullah feceMng 8 atlhe oIfIclal opening C8femony of Naloonal Confaflmce on
tolle" 01 apptec:labOn from DeputY VIce Chancellof of Student Ageing 2OJ6 at Manio! Hotel. Putre)aya
Affairs
a Synthesis, UPM R&D Digest, ISSl/1" 16. lsI OllAr/ulMar, 2007) t
-Iappenings
tOMENT TO REMEMBER; Silver medallist Pfof. Dr. Shaltll FOR THE RECORD: The winners oIlnnovativ(l R&D WIth Prof COVERED BY TV3: AlP Dr. Ratl"lllsamy Munlandydraws
~' the inventor of -A New Robust Da/8 Com/XeSSOf for GIS Abu Bakar Sallah and Prof Zulkdli ldrus attention ot a IoumaIiSllrom TV3
-~-----~-
UPM SOLEHI: Prof Abu Ballar Salleh poses proudly WIth QOId
18ntl shares his VlOW WIth a and sliver medallists IT SHOULD BE THIS WAY: Pl"ol Dato' Dr. Shll/lt! Mohamed
exposes a secret to Pro' Abu Bakar Sallahl
i"it'on (MAITREX "06, .-n.","'"
INNOVATIVE R&D: Products WIth COl'M'Ierclal potenllal at the RED CARPET: Y B Datuk Sen Utama Dr Rals YaUm, the
NO ONE UNDERSTANDS BETTER: A represenlsllVa from
Minister of Ans. Heritage & Culture (second from leh)and VAS.
"PO UPM Olfeflflg an explanalion to a visitOl'
Oaluk serl Hajl Mohd All Mohd Rustam. the Chief M,nJster of
Malacca (second'rom right)
Tamsir (second from lefl) DOWN TO EARTH: Malaysla Pnme Minister, Oatuk Sen
celebratlOf'l Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and the MlI\iSIOf of AgliCuilure and JALAN.JALAN CARl MAKAN: Pfol. ZuIki!h Idrus showlng his
Agro-based Industries, Tan Sd Muhyidin Yassln at MAHA 2006 supponlowards UPM commerc1allsed produe:1S
SAY CHEESE: The UPM representatives pose 101 the camera'
a Synthesis, UPM R&D Digest,lssllt' [6. I$l Qllartu (Mar. 20071 t
NewsBriefs BIS is an annual event which gives opportunity to the inventors.
innovators, academics and entrepreneurs around the world to showcase
their latest inventions and to share their common belief- Lhat invention is
MAITREX 2006: fr01ll Local to Global (9-t2 SefJlember 2006)
the vital spark that drives the world's technology and new orders of wealth
In conjunction with the 7th Malay World, Islamic World Convention
creation.
(DMDI), the much talk about Malay and Islamic Trade Exhibition
(MAITREX) was successfully held on 9th - 12th September 2006.
This year's show managed to attract more (han 200 exhibitors from 20
participating countries across the world. which also included support
Hosted by Malacca International Trade Centre (MITe). the 3rd MAITREX
organisations that could assist with business development. A total of 175
was officiated by Y.B. Datuk Seri Utama Dr. Rais Yatim, the Minister of
innovative research products and inventions were displayed at BIS 2006.
Arts. Heritage & Culture. Also present \Vas Y.A.B. Datuk Seri Haji Mohd.
Ali Mohd. Rustam, the Chief Minister of Malacca~
The UPM representatives, lead by AlProfessor Dr. Wong Shaw Voon from
the Faculty of Engineering bagged a gold medal award for their inventive
The main objectives of MAITREX were to give exposure and introduce
research, "COMBAT ARMOR. (Composite for Anti Ballistic Threat
the local products and services at national and international level.
Armor)"'.
MAITREX is also a great platfonn for the local product manufacturers (0
A seminar was also run alongside the event. covering topics such as new
enhance the promotions and marketing activities as well as to build wider
product development. intellectual property protection, and marketing.
networks.
This year, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) was invited by the Ministry of
Higher Education to take part in the exhibition. The participants from
UPM Bags Five Medals ill Germany
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) bagged 2 gold and 3 silver medals
UPM were mainly from the Faculty of Food Science and Technology and
recently at the International Trade Fair "Ideas - Inventions - New
Interim Halal Product Research Institute.
Products" (lENA) 2006.
The annual exhibition was participated by 93 organisations including
The trade fair that was held at Nuremberg. Germany from 2nd - 5th
government agencies, local and international corporations.
November 2006 was represented by delegates from the Faculty of
Engineering and Institute of Bioscience (IBS) of UPM.
Listed below are the participants from UPM and their research projects.
Participanl Research! Projecl(s) UPM showcased a total offive innovative R&D researches during the
Yaakob Che' Man (Prof. Dr.) I. FAE Makanan Halal exhibition and all of them won the awards. The gold medallists were LBS's
Imerim Haltll PrOtlllef Res/wreh Inst;Wfe 2. Trans Free Plant Based team lead by Professor Dr. Fatimah Md. Yusoff for their ground breaking
3. Development of Rapid
research on "Natural Booster Kit for High Quality Microalgal Production",
Techniques for Halal
Authentication and Ir. Azlan Abdul Aziz from the Faculty of Engineering for his novel
4. FfIR Spectroscopy: A Potential research on"A Long Tenn Triaxial Filtration Test System".
Tool for Halal Authentication
5. Halal Food- Perception and More than 645 inventions from 30 participating countries around the world
Awareness Among Food
were exhibited at LENA 2006. Gernlany, Iran. Turkey. Croatia, Russia and
Manufacturers and Marketers in
Taiwan presented the largest number of inventions during the exhibition.
Klang Valley
The recipients of silver medals are as below:
2 Suhaila Mohamad (prof. Dr.) I. Herbal Product for Diabetes
FaCility of Food Science (l1It1 Technology 2. Anti Obesity. Antioxidative and
Cholesterol Lowering Seaweed
IParticipanl Research! Project(s)
Megal Johari Megat Mohd. Noor Eco- polymer Coagulant
Products for Cardiovascular
(AlProf. Dr.)
Heahh
FaCility of Engineerillg
3 Che zaini Hassan (Mrs.) I. Healthy Fat Substitute of Bakery
2 Shattri Mansor (Prof. Dr.) A New Robust Dala Compressor
FaCility of Food Science alld Teehl/ology Products from A vacado
FaCility of Engineering for GIS Data
3 Ahmad Buslamam Badul (Dr.) A Natural Drug. Extracted and
IflstiWle of Bioscience (IBS) Purified from Malaysia Herbal
The British Invention Show 2006 (/8111 -2/sl Oelober 2006) Plant Interferes the Progression of
Universiti Putra Malaysia CUPM) recently participated in the British Cervical Intraepithelial
Carcinoma (CIN)
Invention Show (BIS 2006) held at Alexandra Palace in London from 18th
- 21 51 October 2006.
_ Synthesis, UPM R&D Digest. [SSlIt 16. lsI Ollllrl.., (Mar. 20071 t
UPM Receives the Highest R&D Funding in Malaysia Interim Halal Product Research Institute of UPM displayed seven research
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) was in the limelight again after receiving posters during the event which contained information on the research
the highest amount of grants under the Higher Education Minist!)"s outcomes conducted at the university.
Fundamental Research Grant Scheme.
According to the Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed, the Forthcoming R&D Exhibitions
minist!)' had received about 2. 045 proposals from researchers of 18 public The forthcoming International and National R&D exhibitions from March
universities nationwide but only 746 were granted with the grants wonh to June 2007
RM 67.9 million.
UPM Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Nik Mustapha R. Abdullah confirmed that I. MTE 2007: Malaysia Mar 29-31. 2007 Putra World
UPM had received about RM 16.8 million. The amount allocated will be Technology Expo Trade Centre
used for science and technOlogies, and social sciences areas. (pWTC). Kuala
Lumpur
Earlier, UPM was announced as one of the country's four research 2. NATPRO 2007: Asia Pacific Mar 29-31. 2007 Putra World
universities under the Ninth Malaysia Plan. Natural Producls Expo Trade Centre
(PWTC). Kuala
Lumpur
3. Research Award for Research Apr 12.2006 Marriot Hotel.
Research University (RU) Roadmap and Strategic Excellence (APC) 2007 Putrajaya
Plans Workshop Kuala Lumpur
Ever since Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) was announced to be one of 4. National lntelleclual Property Apr 19-21. 2007 Convention
the major research universities in Malaysia, the designation seems to give a Day Expo Centre (KLCC)
total brand new dimension to the university and its academia. 5. Bio International Convention May 6-9. 2007 BaSion. USA
In order to keep up with the reputation as a research university (RU). a Kuala Lumpur
workshop on Research University (RU) Roadmap and Strategic Plans was 6. I-TEX 2007: International. May 18-20.2007 Convention
conducted at Legend Water Chalets, Pon Dickson from 7th-8th December Invention. Innovation. Industrial Centre (KLCC)
2006. Design
7. lNPEX 2007: Invention & New June 6-9. 2007 Pittsburgh. USA
Product Exposition
The 2-day workshop was organised by the Research Management Centre
8. Biotechnolog,v Asia 2007 June 12-14.2007 Putra World
(RMC) in collaboration with the Vice Chancellor Office. Deputy Vice
Trade Centre
Chancellor (Research & Innovation) Office and Registrar Office.
(PWTC). Kuala
Lumpur
The workshop that was participated by more than 100 deans. depuly deans
(research). lecturers and deputy registrars from each faculties! institutesl
centre lacademies aimed at discussing on UPM's goal to meet 100% RU
Key Performance Indicator (KPI) by the end of 2009 since the RU audit Semillars 011 Fundamental Grant
would be performed in April 2010. Two separate seminars on Fundamental Grant were conducted early Ihis
year. The first seminar was held on 23rd Janua!)' 2007 while the second
Other agendas included group discussions and presentations aboul the seminar was on 23rd February 2007. Both were organised by Grant Unil of
aClion plans and monitoring methods 10 meet the nine RU sections as well Research Management Centre (RMC).
as the discussion on projection of 2007-2009 for each Pusat
Tanggungjawab (PTJ). The first seminar, which was carried out at Panggung Percubaan, Sultan
Sal<thuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Cultural & Arts Centre, stressed on the new
applications for Fundamental Research Gram Scheme (FRGS) for year
Hadhari Community Convention (KNKH) 2006 2007. The guest speakers for the seminar were Prof. Dr. Muhamad Awang
"To retrace issues pertaining to Islam Hadhari (Civilisational Islam) from a and Prof. Dato' Dr. Sheikh Omar. Both of the speakers are Ihe Evaluator
comprehensive perspective including economy, education and social Panel for Minist!)' of Higher Education Fundamental Grant Scheme.
matters" became Ihe main theme of Hadhari Community Convention
(KNKH) 2006. Conversely, the second seminar that was held at Seminar Room I of
Administration Building, UPM focused on Social Sciences and
The 5-day convention was held at Federal Territory Mosque, Kuala Humanities. The guesl speaker was Prof. Dr. Samsudin Abdul Rahim. who
Lumpur from 6th - II th December 2006. KNKH 2006 aimed at instilling is the Head of Executive Officer in Malaysian Youth Research
the praclicality of the Islam Hadhari concept among society through Development Institute. He is also the Chaimmn of Social Sciences and
various programs conducted during the convention. Round~table Humanities Panel, Fundamental Research Grant, Ministry of Higher
discussions, expos. business malching and exhibitions on Muslim Education. @
entrepreneurs' products were among of the activities held in conjunction
with the convention.
m Synthesis. UPM R&D Digest, ISSllt 16. lsI Qllurlrr lMar. 2007) t
FactFile Expanding Horizons
RMC also welcomes the following staff to its existing teum
f"" tt.... ~
The New Incoming Deputy Director
A very waml welcome to Prof. Dr. Kaida Khalid for being
the new Deputy Director of Research Grant Unit. He
replaces Prof. Dr. Nor Aripin Shamaan who left RMC on
5th March 2007. Prof. Dr. Kaida obtained his aSe in
Physics from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia in 1976, Diana Sophia Barieng Mohd. Khairul Alor.! Iftiqar Bee Abd Gani
MSc in Solid Stale Physics from University of London in Assistant Publication Officer Mohd. Khairuddin Admin Assislant
Publication Uni! Assistant Admin Officer Research Gram Unit
1978 and PhD in Electronic and Electrical Engineerit'g Pnif. Dr. I\OIJ<l I\hulld.
Illfomi"l: f)tI'WI f)iu( /II,.. Research & Innovation Unit
from University of Binningham, England in 1986. RClt"rdr Gram (luit, RMC
He slaned orf as a lecturer in 1979 and was appointed as Associate Professor in
~ -\t c..t
I am vcry pleascd to announce that Symhesis is now into its fourth year of
1991. Through out 30 years of his profession, he was also the Head of Physics publication with its circulation surpass 4.000 nationwide.
Department (1992-94), Deputy Dean (Research and Development affairs) for
Effective March 2008. the makeover issue of Syllfhesis will capture your
Faculty of Science and Environmental Studies (1997-1999) and Deputy Dean
imagination with its conlent and auemion·grabbing size and layout. I also lake this
(Development), Faculty of Science (2001-2006). opportunity to sincerely acknowledge with thanks the numerous Ic((crs from our
readers that have been piling up in the last few months. congratulating thc editors.
His research interests include microwave moisture sensors. microwave I am very pleased to note that you find the articles infoml<Jtive. useful and well
wriuen. I am also glad to notc that many of our readers find our articles succinctly
dielectric properties of materials and high power microwave applications. Most yct instructive.
of his work is primarily engaged with the development of moisture sensor for
hevea rubber latex and oil palm fruit. Thank you to onc and all that havc made Syllthesis a success. We sincerely hope to
kecp up the good work and look forward to see yct another climb in the readership
of SymIJesis. Synthesis is the official research bulletin of thc University and is
With such impressive credentials. RMC believes that he will be able to be one published by Research Management Centre quancrly. It is available free of charge
of RMCs main backbones for the betlemlent of the Centre. to the academic community.
\I \ ...' \GI,,"G EDITOR @
The Outgoing Deputy Director
RMC wishes to extend its gratitude to Prof. Dr. Nor Aripin
Shamaan for his significant contributions to the Centre
Prof. Dr. Nor Aripin Shamaan joined RMC on 1st
December 2003 as the Deputy Director of Research Grant
Unit. He left the Centre on 5th March 2007 to concentrate
on his research efforts and is currently the Deputy Dean Pmf. Dr. .Va, .I'q>tn.
Ihr OUI!o:"IIJ.~ Dr/'u/I /J"nf'''.
(Academic and Student Affairs) of the Faculty of R"rmd, Gr,mf Vml. RMC
BiOiechnology and Biomolecular Science.
A Glance at Research Inventions & Innovations at UPM I
Comillued[rom/ssllc /5. lSI Quarrer(Dec. 2(06)
Facultyl Research . .
No. Institute Researcher Innovation Cluster ProJed Number AllocatIon
395. Veterinary Medicine NOOI'dln bin Mohamed Nutritional and irnmunoregulatory approaches in abating bovine mastitis AfF 0I-02.04-0Q91 EAOOI RMI97.000
M"""""
396. Veterinary Medicine Rasedee@ Mat Bin Abdullah Pathoph~lCai changes leadang to equine tendinitis Af' 01.()2.04.0401 EAOOI RMI85.00J
397. Veterinary Medicine SheM't Omar Abdul RaJvnan Development of a new recombinant vaccine (Of foot rot infection AfF OI-02.()4..(l112 EAOOI RMI40.000
398. Veterinary Medicine Stti Khaifani 8elo Development of protem.base diagnostic krt fOf brucellosis in Nmlnant Af' 01-02-04-0507 EAOOI RM 19 1.000
399. Veterinary Medicine Sib Sun binti AMad Molecular characterization of infectIOUS bronchitis viM AfF 01-O2-O'l.()117 EAOOI RM196,000
TOTAL PROJECTS: 399 TOTAL ALLOCATION: RM6S.9m
, Data presented IRPA RM·8 {as at Cycle 1, 2004}; Total 416 EAR Grants, sorted by PTJ & Name.
tThe deso1pt.oon or the some of the aboYe ~tlOnS
and Imovawe ~ pro6.Ica av.ulabIe lor ~tJOn at UPM are {ont.1ll'led in the boob--~R&D ~t UPM. ~ /oleN ~ o(~ ~'. frst Ed\lOf\ .v1d ~R&D ~t UPM RMMrth
~. Fnt Ed:tJOn.lSSN 167).1248. Edt~ Nayan Deep S. Kanwal Molld. SNhwahid H~ Othman.v1d StdeIc Hj. Abd. Am.. ~ by ~arth Management Centre (RMC). UPM. avatl.1ble from Pl.blGoons l.InI\.. Mlwvstrabon ~ ~ Putra
Malayw. 43400 UPM. Serdang. Setangor Ow Ehwn. Malayw. Tet. ...603 8946 6028 {8946 619l Fax: +603 8942 6539. e-mad: ~(oft;ldm:tlupmedumy
msynthesis. UPM R&D Digesl,lssut 16. lsI Quartl" IMar. 20071 t
~~!njf("a Is an international peer-reviewed leading journal in
aysla which began publication in 1978. The journal
publishes in three different areas - Journal of Tropical
Agricultural Science (JTAS); Journal of Science and . : . '
T logy (JST); and Journal of Social Sciences and ..• our jot..maIs Cl'6 ctcukJted In !age
ities (JSSH). no.rnbeB aI over MoIayslo. and beyond.
In Sou1heosl AsIa. Ilecently. we hove widened OU'
drculatton to other overseas COUltl1es os wei. We wiI
JTAS is devoted to the publication of original enstIe that YOtX WOfk reaches the wk:Sest pOSSI:)Ie
papers that serves as a forum for practical oudlence In print and online. tlYough OU' wide publicity
approaches to improving quality in issues compolgo ~ held fiequently. and ttvough OU' constantly
developing elecfiooc Inltlativ.. ttvough
pertaining to tropical agricultural research e-perlOOka and _",,",a OnlIne.
or related fields of study. It is published twice a
year in February and August, ':' Our double-blind peer refereeing proced\..l(es
ore far and open, and we aim to help authors develop
and impfove their woric. Pertonik:a JTAS Is now OVef 30 years
JST caters for science and engineering research old; this accumulated knowledge has resulted In PertOOka
or related fields of study. It is published twice a JTAS being Indexed by SCopus (EIsevler).
year in January and July. • . we provk:Je a rapid response service
to 011 our authors. wtth dedicated support staff for each
JSSH deals in research or theories in social journal. and a point ot contact throughout the refefeelng
and production processes. Our aim Is to ensure that the
sciences and humanities reseorch with a focus on emerging issues productk>n process Is os smooth os possible. Is borne out by
pertaining to the social and behavioural sciences as well as the the high number of outho<s who publish wfth us again and
humanities. particulorly in the Asia Pacific region, It is published again.
twice a year in March and September. 1!:[iJiI1JiJ:l[ll!m!lil!imlit'!:nl the elapsed "me fiom
subr'nGs'on to publication for the artlcles In Pertonlka
averages 6-8 months. A decision of acceptance of a
Call for Papers monuscnpt Is reached In 1 to 3 months (overage 7 weeks).
Our joumQIs hove a 30'% rejection rote of Its submitted
Pertanika invites you 10 explore frontiers from all fields of science and technology to manuscripts. many of the papers fal on OCCOtX'lt of their
S\Jbstondord presentation and language (fTustrotlng the
social sciences and humanities. You may contribute yOUf scientific work for peef reviewers).
publishing in UPM's hallmark journals either as a regular article. shorl
co",,,,,,,,icat;olls. or a rel';ew article in OUf forthcoming issues. Papers
submined to this journal must contain original results and must nOi be
submincd elsewhere while being evaluated for the Pcrtanika Journals.
Submissions in English should be accompanied by an abstract not
excecding 300 words. Your manuscript should be no more than 6.000
words or 10-12 printed pages. including notes and abstract. Submissions
should conform to the Pcrtanika style. which is available at
www.nnc.upm.edu.my..pcrtanika or by mail or email upon request.
Papcrs should be double-spaced 12 point type (Times ew Roman foOlS
prefcrrcd). The first page should include the title ofthc article but no author
information. Page 2 should repeat the title of the article together with the names
Mail your submissions to:
and contact information of the corresponding author as well as all the other
authors. Page 3 should contain the abstract only. Page 4 and subsequent pages to have The Executive Editor
the text - Acknowledgments - References - Tables - Legends to figures - Figures, ctc. Pertanlka Journals
Research Management Centre (RMC)
Publication DMslon
Questions regarding submissions should only be directed to the Executive Editor. 4th Floor. Administration Building
Pertanika Journals. Unlverslti Putra Malaysia
43400 UPM. 5erdong, 5elangor. Malaysia
Remember, PerltlUiku is the resource to support you i" stre"gthe"ing re~iellrch miff Tel: +603·89466192
resellrch mtlUlIgemellr C"PlIcity. ndeeps@odmln.upm.edu.my
www.rmc.upm.edu.my/pertonlka
msyntheSiS. UPM R&D Digest, Iss14r 16. lsI 014arlrr(Mar. 2007) _
From the II/I/ovatiol/ & COlllmercialisatiol/ Celltre (ICC) desk...
Moving Towards "world" Patent System through peT
s T' O-Months
The Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCn is an international agreement • Typically, the start of PCT application timeline occurs when an
which provides a single system to enter into the patenting process in applicant files a patent application in his home country and
many different countries at one time. The PCT is ministered by the claims the date of filing of the local application as the
International Bureau of the World Intellectual Property Organization "priority" date.
(WIPO), headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. The member
countries of the PCT are called PCT Contracting States. Currently 12-Months
there are over 130 countries that are members of the PCT and • Under Paris Convention, an applicant has 12 months from the
Malaysia has recently become the 131 st member on the 16th of May filing date of his first application to file a PCT international
2006.
application for the same invention.
16-Months
'e the vantages?
• After a PCT application is filed, the International Searching
The main advantage of filing a PCT application is the additional time
Authority (ISA) will carry out an international search on novelty
gained before having to prosecute application in other countries after
and non-obviousness and issues an international search report
the initial filing in Malaysia. Without the PCT, the applicant generally
and a written opinion on patentability. This report can be used
has 12 months to file patent application in Paris Convention
to file application in various countries.
countries after filing the initial application. In contrast, by using the
PCT, the applicant has at least 30 months from the date of filing to 18-Months
begin prosecuting his application in other countries. • After 18 months from the priority date, the international
application is then published by WI PO, together with the
This delay provides time to gain knowledge regarding the international search report and any amended claims. The
patentability and commercial prospect of an invention. It also publication discloses to the world the content of the
postpones the major cost of internationalizing a patent application, international application.
such as, paying regional fees, translating the patent application and
paying fees to patent agents in various countries. 22-Months
• In the next step, the applicant has the option of requesting an
In the Paris Convention system, application made to different international preliminary examination of application and paying
countries will have to go through patentability search by different the relevant fees. The preliminary examination is based upon
countries. Under the PCT system, the single report produced by WIPO novelty, inventive step and industrial applicability.
can be used for submission of patent application in various countries.
28-Months
CT pplication • The international preliminary examination report should be
The timeline below shows the basic steps in filing a PCT Application provided by the 28th months after the priority date. This report
procedure provides applicants with an opportunity to amend
International the application.
preliminary
report on
File PCT International patentability 30-Months
Month) application publication
• Applicants must enter the national phase of other countries
0 12 16 18 22 28 30 before the expiration of the time limit set that is 30 months
~
I I I I I I
from the priority date. If an applicant fails to do so, the
international application loses the effect of a national
File local International Request for
Ipplication search report & International application and the procedure comes to an end.
riority date) written opinion preliminary Enter International
given to inventor examination (national phase
of other countries)
For further inquirtes on PeT. please contact
The Director, Innovation & Commercialisation Centre (ICC)
Tel· +60389472055
CII Synthesis, UPM R&D Digest. Issur 16, lsI Quartrr (Mar. 20071 t
UPM's Commercialised Products and Technologies.
Vita-Grown..
The growth and yield enhancer
A P Dr Syed Omar Syed ®C
Rastan
Diversatech Sdn. Bhd CC
Fowl Pox Vaccine
Tissue culture adapted
:> ® Prof. Dr. Aim Idns
:>
C Malaysian Vaccine and
PharmaceutICal Sdn. Bhd.
,
> RM 3,700,000 SC :) S > RM 1,968,000
Newcastle Disease Vaccine. ZAPPATM
V4-UPM Heat resistant strain The rice seeds germination enhancer
Prof. Dr. Alni Idris ®C @ A.P. Dr. Ahmad Husni M. Hanif
Malaysian Vaccine and CC C Diversatech Sdn. Bhd.
PharmaceutICal Sdn. Bhd. S > RM 1,300,000
> RM S74,OOO SC
Fast Target™ Putra Blok™ • Interlocking load Bearing
White spot virus detection kit Hollow Block System
Prof. Dato' Dr. Mohamed Shariff @c ® A,P, Dr, Mohd Razah Abd. Kador
Mohamed Din C ligamesra Sdn. Bhd
Genensis Biotechnology S.B. @C S RM 300,000
> RM 400,000 SC
Chicken Probiotic Technology Optical Fiber Duplexer Module (FDM)
Probiotic-fed broiler chicken Solution to fiber optic shortages
Prof. Dr. Ho Yin Wan ®C ® A.P.Dr. Khazani Abdullah
Janal Sdn. Bhd, I!:>C Cl Significant Technologies Sdn. Bhd.
RM 200,000 SC S RM 150,000
MyVAC UPM93 • Infectious Bursal MRTLatexometer™ - Rapid measurement
Disease (180) vaccine for chickens of dry rubber content
A.P. Dr. Mohd. Hair Bejo ®C ® Prof. Dr. Kaida Khalid
Malaysian Vaccine & CC S >RM 30,000
PharmaceutICal Sdn Bhd.
Adv, RM 40,000 SC
Trichogreen™ Stone Mastic
81ocootrol agent and growth enhancer Asphalt with cellulose oil palm fiber
A.P,Dr, Faridah Abdullah ®C ® A.P. Dr. Ratnasamy Muniandy
Foodhnk (M) Sdn, Bhd, @CC C PRSS Petronas
Unique Nutrients Sdn. Bhd. S RM 120,000
Royalty: 2.5 % SC
Bacteriocin UL4 Recombinant Pneumonic Mannheimia
Antimicrobial compound Vaccine
A.P. Dr. Foo Hool ling ®e ® Prof. Dr. Mohd Zamri Saad
SRAS Sdn, Bhd, CC C ST Blohle Sdn. Bhd
Adv, RM 1S,OOO SC S RM 4,000,000
KUSTEM Vax Commercialised R&D 15 products
Mannheimiosls Vaccine
Total Gross Sales Revenue RM 12,789 million
Prof. Dr. Mohd Zamri Saad ®e
Profound Vaccine Sdn. Bhd. ce Mode of Commercialisation:
Royalty: 3 % SC Licensing 9 products
Outright Sales/Sales 6 products
*®-R sear h r - om an IInaustry 5 - Gross Sales
m Synthesis. UPM R&D Digest. Issue 16. lsI Duarter (Mar. 20071 t
-Synthesis---------
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